A CHURCH IN EVERY HOME
“The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.” (1 Corinthians 16:19)
INTRODUCTION
This booklet will help you renew or plant a House Church using simple, clear, and practical principles. Let God guide you in applying the truths He reveals to you as you read through this booklet. Church planting, building and expansion is only possible when we follow God’s plan in the power of His Spirit. He alone is the source and power of His Church. Through the Church, God is glorified.
Share with fellow believers the many revelations you receive as you go through this booklet. Trust the Holy Spirit for the boldness to accept what He reveals to you and for the courage to change and act upon it. Ask God to show you more of His plans for your obedience in renewing and planting House Churches for His glory.
THE HOUSE CHURCH:PAST
Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:20-22)
WHAT IS A HOUSE CHURCH?
It is a Church
The Bible never uses the word “Church” to describe a building; instead, it gives us the picture of the Church as a family. Like a family, there are spiritual mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers in Christ. The Church is called “God’s household” (1 Timothy 3:15). The New Testament teaches about the Church as people, not places. There is no holy place in New Testament Christianity but one holy God who lives with a holy people. “…..a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth…” (John 4:23). The word “Church” in the New Testament is a translation of the word Ekklesia, which means “called out ones” or “assembly.” It is God’s family, which is made up of many families or individual households. It is important to understand from God’s word that the church is people and can begin and exist any place God’s people breathe. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)
IT IS A CHURCH IN A HOME
A house church or home church is a group of Christians who regularly gather for worship in private homes or other non-traditional settings. The House Church is Biblical. All the churches in the New Testament era were small assemblies that met in homes.
WHAT IS A FAMILY ALTAR?
Church starts at home. When the head of a home gathers his/her family and friends in the presence of the Lord, he creates a family Altar. These include prayer, worship, bible study, discipling, baptizing and other spiritual exercises – the purpose is to bring the Kingdom of God on earth. This is the place where heaven touches earth. Every Christian family should regularly and intentionally have such a time. It is a good practice.
THE GREAT COMMISSION: The mandate of the church is to make disciples of all nations, baptise them and teach them to obey. (Matthew 28:19). It is a fundamental right of every royal priest to disciple, baptise and teach them obedience to the commands of Jesus, which includes the Great Commission. Lord Jesus has ORDAINED every believer with the Holy Spirit to do so, “You have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ORDAINED (appointed) you to bring forth fruit, fruit that remains.” (John 15:16)
In the Old Testament, the Altar was the place where the Priests offered animal sacrifice for the redemption of their sins. In the New Testament, we offer lost souls as living sacrifices for the redemption of their souls. (Romans 12:1,2)
Paul as a Priest of Christ, offered sanctified Gentiles as living sacrifice. (Romans 15:16)
“Know that he who turns back the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20)
IS THE HOUSE CHURCH THE ONLY LEGITIMATE WAY TO MEET AS A CHURCH
No, but House Churches are a biblical model of a Church and have several advantages over other forms of Churches. House churches are non-traditional. Some people will feel like they can worship better in a church building, while others prefer a home. This is a cultural issue and is not biblical. God is infinite and not limited in any way. Great revivals and massive church growth have occurred during difficult times with and without church buildings. A church of our Lord can meet anywhere – under a tree, in schools, hospitals, marketplace, in a coffee house, in a park and playground – in fact, anywhere. The purpose is to glorify God by making disciples of all nations. (John 15:8)
IN THE BEGINNING
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. (Acts 2:41)
WHAT WERE THE EARLY HOUSE CHURCHES LIKE?
1.Unique Christian Fellowship and Worship- During those days, they depended wholly on the Holy Spirit and not on infrastructure and
technology. This attitude allowed them to worship in Spirit and truth and strengthened their relationships within the fellowship.
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
WORSHIP - Singing songs is not worship; it is only praise. You praise God with your lips (Psalm 51:15; Hebrew 13:15). You glorify God by bringing abundant fruit (John 15:8). You worship God by offering broken and contrite hearts as a sacrifice. (Romans 12:1,2)
The first time “worship” is mentioned in the Bible is when Abraham took his son Isaac to be sacrificed. Abraham asked the servants to take care of the donkeys while they went up the mountain to “worship”. When Isaac heard the word worship, he asked his father, we have the sword and the fire, but where is the animal for the sacrifice (Genesis 22:5-7)? Even as a lad, he knew that worship requires a sword, fire and an animal to be sacrificed. In the Mosaic Tabernacle, the Priests needed a sword, an Altar of fire and an animal to be sacrificed for worship.
On the Day of Pentecost, the iron sword changed into Word of God (Acts 2:37; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12) and the wood fire changed into Holy Spirit as the tongues of fire (Acts 2:1-3) and the animal sacrifice changed into 3000 baptised as living sacrifice. Now we worship God by offering broken and contrite hearts. (Psalm 51:17). David praised God by singing Psalms and worshipped God by offering abundant sacrifice. (2Samuel 6:12-14). Solomon worshipped God by offering 22,000 oxen and 120, 000 sheep. (2Chronicales 7:5). No one was allowed to come to the Temple for the Feasts emptyhanded. (Deuteronomy 16:16)
House churches are participatory and dialogical; therefore they are better at encouraging strong relationships, lifestyle, and evangelism than traditional churches. The homely and face-to-face setting makes prayer, worship, fellowship, and gospel sharing more relational. Most importantly even non-believers and seekers can come and participate.
Today, many believers stop attending church gatherings after their churches have been attacked because they are fearful. One cannot dismiss the fact that the hospitality of these households played a key role in encouraging the Christians to stay united in every way, even during trials and hardships.
2.The House Church was a practical model of what the true heart of the church is- Paul clearly instructed the believers how to properly live
within the household or family of God, the church. The concept of family is a universal concept which Paul often used to describe the church.
“So, then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone.
in whom each several building, fitly framed together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” (Ephesians 2:19-21)
“For this cause, I bow my knees unto the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.” (3:14-15)
“Be ye, therefore, imitators of God, as beloved children.” (5:1)
Peace be to the brethren and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (6:23)
Do we follow the same principle of a family in our churches today? Do we consider ourselves as a part of the same body? Do we have spiritual fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters to love and encourage? Are we fulfilling our biblical roles in the family and church? Every home should be a church, for a church is where Jesus dwells.
3. The House Church encouraged and nurtured a healthy social integration - They were bonded in love because of the close-knit fellowship. This family-like oneness proved valuable during persecution as they cared for and supported each other in love and prayer. The House Church setting allowed them to sustain their faith amid Persecution.
Today, big church assemblies mostly gather as a crowd and return without having interpersonal relationships among their members. There are many churches in which members don’t even know each other. Members within the church form groups in which they are comfortable, inevitably making others feel left out and overlooked. How will the church endure persecution without unity?
4. The House Church structure encouraged the development of Church Leaders- Peter, a leader in the early Jerusalem Church, was trained on the job by Jesus Himself. Peter then discipled Barnabas who was later sent to establish the church in Antioch, training and mentoring Paul for a year. What stands out in this type of leadership is a principle that has proved beneficial every time in any culture and was mentioned by John the Baptist in John 3:30, “He must increase and I must decrease.”
In the latter days of the early church, the one who opened the doors of his/her home to gather disciples from his/her area became the natural leader of that House Church (1 Corinthians 16:16, 3 John:9-10). The House Church model heartens believers to function in their specific giftings and callings and develops leadership skills. Acts 2:42 tell us that disciples always devoted themselves to the Apostolic teachings and fellowship.
Apostolic teaching is “Go and be a blessing to others”, while Pastoral teaching is “Come and be blessed.”
Apostolic teaching is based on Abraham’s blessing, “And I will bless those that bless you and curse the one who curses you. And in you shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3)
In Today’s scenario, a typical Pastor has around 100 believers. They may meet once a week and, in some cases, twice. The Sunday meetings comprise of singing, sharing the word and breaking of bread. It is difficult to lay a good foundation during this itemised and formal time. An average Christian will usually experience ‘church’ only in this format.
Sadly, some people come to enjoy singing and entertainment than being deeply rooted and grounded in the Word. In most Churches, the Word of God is only preached and not taught. The devil’s strategy is to target the Shepherd to scatter the sheep through persecution, sickness, sin etc. The shallow church is incapable of sustaining itself. The house church model lays great emphasis on studying the word of God together, urging and encouraging each member to participate and in turn, providing a solid groundwork to stand firm on, even in the face of persecution and trials.
5. The early church always advocated that the decision to follow Christ should be taken by the entire household/family together.
The household of Cornelius - Acts 10:1-2; The household of Lydia - Acts 16:13-15; The household of Crispus - Acts 18:8; The household of the Philippian Jailer - Acts 16:31-34
Today, Churches primarily focus on the individual rather than the whole family. When entire families accept Jesus, they transform into homes that have the potential to change the world.
6. The House Church was the basic solution to the problem of the early missionary approach.
The house churches of the New Testament were very adaptable. They could start anywhere, anytime and were not dependent upon the economic or political situation of those times. They were structurally mobile and mission friendly. The apostles of the early church required a meeting place which could also serve as a hub for all operations. Hence, it is rational to assume that whenever Paul began missionary work in a city, his priority was to win a household for God’s kingdom first. This household then became the centre for the preaching of the Gospel in that specific area. Later on, it becomes the responsibility of that particular house church to oversee the missionary activities of that region. A true local and indigenous church.
7. In the New Testament, the House Churches were a shining example of biblical and Christian hospitality - One of the major reasons why the early church bloomed, blossomed, and grew was their generous attitude of hospitality, especially towards the new converts. Acts 2:44 tell us that they shared their homes, meals, and possessions and had everything in common. Even Jesus enjoyed the hospitality and used it for teaching purposes (Luke 14:1). House churches often grow because they give hospitality a high priority.
Paul could start a House Church in Europe because the Holy Spirit led him to a generous and hospitable woman named Lydia. (Acts 16:14-15)
Philemon was asked to prepare a guest room. (Philemon 1:22)
Even though his letters are small in the Bible, John pointed out that hospitality was still of key importance to church life and was still going strong at the end of the 1st Century. (1 John & 2 John)
The pastoral epistles quoted hospitality as an essential requirement to be appointed an Elder. (Titus 1:8, 1 Timothy 5:10)
Even widows were asked to have an attitude of hospitality. (1 Timothy 5:10) ..Paul also calls hospitality a spiritual gift. (Romans 12:13)
Peter Instructed believers to practice hospitality without grumbling. (1Peter 4:9)
Hebrews 13:2 tells us, ‘Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.’
Today we lack the attitude of hospitality. So many Christians are severely persecuted in India, many of whom lose homes, inheritance and all that they ever toiled for only because they refused to forsake Jesus Christ. Are we reaching out to such people, or is the church too content to leave its comfort zone? How will we be able to empathise with their pain and suffering? Doesn’t God encourage us to embrace and love our persecuted brothers and sisters? Aren’t we all a part of the same family?
THE GREAT COMMISSION - The mandate of the church.
Disciple-making Great Commission – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
Geographical Great Commission – “You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Finishing the task of the Great Commission remains the mandate of the church. Only by fulfilling the Great Commission can we fulfil the prophecy made by Jesus: “And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE!
So, how did a handful of apostles and disciples make such a humongous impact within their sphere of influence and beyond without having the high-tech infrastructure and numerical strength that the 20th-century church has taken for granted today? Is there something they had that we do not have? What were the strategies that they used?
The main agenda of the house church was to share meals and share the gospel from house to house, to which the nonbelievers were also invited. (Acts 20:20)
“On the first day of the week (Saturday evening after sunset) we met to break bread together. Paul spoke to the people until midnight because he was leaving the next morning.” (Acts 20:7)
“Find out the household of a person of peace and eat what is laid before you.” (Luke 10:5-8)
“But suppose all of you are prophesying when those unbelievers and outsiders come in. They will realise that they are sinners, and they will want to change their ways because of what you are saying.” (1Corinthians 14:24)
Jesus said, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for ‘All Nations’.” (Mark 11:17). If invited, your non-believing friends will not go to your church but are more likely to come to your house.
THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Passover Feast was first celebrated within the premises of their own houses on the last night when the Israelites left Egypt. When the head of the family sacrificed the lamb, he became the Priest of the family; when he splattered the blood of the lamb on the doorpost to prevent the spirit of death from entering his house, he became the Protector, and when he provided the meat, he became the Provider of his family. During his Last Supper, in an Upper Room, Jesus provided his disciples with a Passover meal consisting of roast lamb, unleavened bread, bitter herb and wine. After eating the Supper, he got up and washed the feet of his disciples and then took bread and broke it as a symbol of his Body and the cup as the symbol of his blood. Passover was never celebrated in the Temple or the synagogue or any religious building but always at home. The Lord’s Supper was a full meal, not just a ritualised wafer and a sip of wine.
In the New Testament, breaking bread from house to house was the Holy Communion which was a full meal served to all those who were present and participating, baptised or not. All those who could afford, brought extra food in their tiffin boxes and shared it with the poor and the newcomers. Washing each other’s feet was commanded by Lord Jesus. Not sharing the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection with the lost after a shared meal was taking the meal unworthily. “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!” (1Corinthians 11:20-34; John 13:3-17; Exodus 12:3,7,8, Romans 10:15)
RAPID GROWTH AND MULTIPLICATION OF THE EARLY CHURCH
The Book of Acts can be divided into six sections based on the growth of the early church, which primarily met in households. Below are short summaries to help us better understand the establishment and development of the early church in the book of Acts. What makes this unstoppable and powerful movement of the Holy Spirit so intriguing is the fact that almost all these Churches met in homes.
THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM (Acts 1:1-6:7)
In this section, we learn how the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples who are primarily Jewish, on the day of Pentecost, giving birth to the church. This is the initial spark that caused a fire to spread to Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Acts 2:41 (baptized) and 4:4 (another 5000 added) tells us how rapidly the church grew. The two households mentioned below would not have been adequate for all the believers to assemble. Hence, there were definitely two, probably more, house churches in Jerusalem.
In Acts 1:12-15, the disciples head to the upper room of a house after witnessing Jesus ascending into heaven. This was the place wherein a total of 120 Christians gathered to pray and fellowship with each other.
This upper room served as a house church.
· In Acts 12:10-17, many believers met at the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark to pray together. This is the same house that Peter returned to after he was freed from prison.
THE CHURCH IN JUDEA AND SAMARIA (Acts 6:8-9:31)
This is the second section in which persecution breaks out against the newly born church because of the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. The persecution scatters the church, causing the Christians to run to Samaria and other places. It is during this time that the Gentiles start mixing with the Jewish Church.
· Peter meets with a Roman Centurion named Cornelius, who was an officer of a regiment in Judea. After receiving a vision, Peter comprehends and concludes that the gospel is for every nation. Jew and Gentile.
· Peter goes to Caesarea and preaches the gospel to the assembly and stays with the household of Cornelius for a few days (Acts 10)
· Philip, the table cleaner, went to Samaria and preached the gospel resulting in the sick being healed and evil spirits coming out screaming and hundreds getting baptized. Later Peter and John went and planted the church of Samaria. (Acts 8:4-17)
THE CHURCH IN AFRICA
Philip also preached and baptized the Finance minister of Ethiopia. We do not know what he did, but Ethiopia was the first county to become a Christian nation. Soon Apollus, an eloquent biblical scholar from Alexandria in Egypt, became a popular Bible teacher where Paul and others were planting churches. (Acts 8:26-40; 18:24-28).
THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH (Acts 9:32-12:24)
In this period, more persecution breaks out against the church resulting in an expansion into Antioch. Up until now, Peter played a key leadership role but through the working of the Holy Spirit, Paul makes his dramatic entry into the historical writings of the book of Acts.
· Acts 13:1 speaks of the church at Antioch having teachers and prophets. It also had affluent members like Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the Tetrarch.
· Acts 11:26 speaks about Barnabas and Saul meeting with the church in Antioch for a whole year and teaching great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
THE CHURCH IN ASIA MINOR (Acts 12:25-16:5)
Here we observe the establishment of the church in Antioch. From here, the Holy Spirit empowers and sends Paul and Barnabas to Asia Minor. We also see how Antioch church comes across as a spirit-filled and strong church which increased in numbers daily.
· 1 Cor 16:19 – Here, Paul sends greetings to a house church in Asia, which was led by Aquila and Prisca, the couple who met Paul in Corinth.
· The house church at Nymphas’ home is also cited in Col 4:15
THE CHURCH IN AEGEAN AREA (EUROPE) (Acts 16:6-19:20)
This is the fifth section of the book of Acts, where we witness the gospel reaching the Aegean shores. We see the Word of God continuing to prevail mightily and Holy Spirit directing the apostles to preach the gospel and appoint elders in every church.
· Lydia surrenders her life to Jesus after listening to Paul preach the gospel, making her the first woman to accept Christianity in Europe. She then opens up her home to the believers, making it the first house church to be established in Europe (Acts 16:14,15)
· A house church was possibly conducted at Jason’s home (Acts 17:7)
THE CHURCH IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE (Acts 19:21-28:31)
In this final section we see Paul leaving the elders in Ephesus and heading to Jerusalem, where he gets arrested and appeals to Caesar. This results in him being sent to Rome, where the Holy Spirit uses him powerfully to expand the Kingdom of God until his martyrdom.
· For two years, Paul ran a house church at his rented premises, welcoming, teaching and preaching the gospel to all who came to see him. (Acts 28:30,31)
BIBLICAL PRAYERS
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1Timothy 2:1-4)
Prayer is greatly mistaken to be asking God to fulfil our request. When the Jews prayed at the Temple, there were at least five steps –
- Techinnah (Supplication)- The devotee laid his hands on the head of the sacrificial animal, confessed his sins and requested (supplication) God to accept his sacrifice and forgive his sins.
- Tefillah (Prayer = Self-examination) – After offering the sacrifice on the Alar, the Priest washed his hands and feet and his face and examined himself to make sure he was not doing anything wrong as he was about to enter the Holy Place with the fire from the Altar.
- Bakkadosh (Intercession) – The Priest poured incense on the fire on the Golden Altar inside the Holy place. The incense came from many nations. As the smoke went through the Veil into the Holy of Holies, where the Spirit of God rested on the Ark of the Covenant, the priest raised his hands and interceded for the nations.
- Hodayah (Thanksgiving) - When the people standing in the outer court saw the smoke bellowing through the roof of the Tabernacle, they all raised their hands and gave thanks to God for accepting their offering.
- God’s Response - When King Solomon prayed and worshipped God by offering thousands of animals as sacrifices, God said to him, “If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land”. (2Ch 7:5,14)
If we pray as above, offering ourselves and then others as a living sacrifice, our land will be healed. (Romans 12:1,2; James 5:20)
So, when Jesus prayed, did he ask God for something? No! being part of the Trinity, he “Davened” (communed) with the Father.
The chances of your prayer being heard is much more likely if it is accomplished by offering a lost soul as a living sacrifice.
“And an angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer. And many incenses were given to him, so that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints on the golden altar before the Throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God from the angel's hand.” (Revelation 8:3,4)
Prayer walking to bind the strongman (territorial spirits) and demolishing the gates of Hell is an important prayer strategy before a Person of Peace can be found and discipled and a church planted in his house. (Matthew 12:28-30; Luke 10:2,5)
THE HOUSE CHURCH- PRESENT
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15)
Church? In a house?
Back to Basics
We are not called to be Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Orthodox or Pentecostals but to be Sons of God, Ambassadors, Disciple-makers, Royal priests, Apostles, Prophets, Fishers of men, Sowers of seed, Reapers of harvest, Fruit bearers and so on.
Here is something to ponder about. The early church had no name, no denominations, no definite address, no buildings, or structures of their own, no Sunday school, no mics and loudspeakers, no high-tech musical instruments, old-fashioned transport, no specific dress code, no baptistries, no New Testament!
But they had the Old Testament, the priceless and precious teachings of Jesus Christ and most importantly, the Holy Spirit!
They were an ordinary group of Christians who lived extraordinary lives in faith and simplicity. They were on a mission. They had just one common vision and goal - making Jesus Christ known!
The early church met almost exclusively in homes and the greatest period of growth and action up until now was during that time. Even though they did not have what most churches have today, they possessed spiritual growth and numerical growth- just what our churches lack today.
Meeting in homes gave the early church the freedom from being bound to denominations, structures, assets, bank accounts etc. They were available and free for the Holy Spirit to use.
The word of God describes the church as God’s household or God’s family. God is relational and also wants us to have thriving relationships which aid to the expansion of His kingdom. What better place than to start at home? In fact, a family that pledges allegiance to Jesus Christ is His bride- the church.
A bride reproduces herself and multiplies. Similarly, the Church, the Bride of Christ, must not remain barren but reproduce and multiply herself to reach the ends of the earth. “So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.” (Acts 16:5). There was both quality and quantity.
How difficult could it be to regularly gather one’s family and friends to worship, pray and meditate on God’s word? Well, it all depends on the home’s eagerness and passion to seek God’s face.
The Holy Spirit helps us listen to God’s heartbeat-Jesus Christ. Like the early church, our dependence should only be on the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. The informal set-up, close-knit fellowship, face-to-face and heart-to-heart approach that a house church provides, easily makes room for Spirit-led worship, intimate discipleship, prayer etc. which gives all members an opportunity to exercise their gifts as the Holy Spirit wills.
The house church model, being biblical, helps us to welcome neighbours and friends from other communities with ease. This approach helps us to reach out better, love them, involve them, and share the love of Jesus Christ with them.
We are the church! The church is all about Jesus Christ. He is seen and made known when the least, the helpless and the children are honoured and loved. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we can imitate Christ in our everyday lives. It is also important to keep in mind that the early church also faced tremendous persecution during that same period. However, that only strengthened them further, causing massive growth spurges to places where the good news of God’s love had never been preached before. Persecution has often pushed churches out of religious structures and into simple homes!
THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHURCHES IN EXISTENCE TODAY.
- Memorial church - based on old traditions. They live on their past glory. Often named after their founder leader or a generous donor. They do not advance the Kingdom. Any growth is biological. They do not like any change and are non-reproducible.
- Maintenance churches – They are a happy-clappy group of people who enjoy their fellowship and are focused on themselves and do not care what happens to the rest of the world. Any growth is biological or by transfer. They also do not advance the Kingdom.
- Movement churches - They have an unquenchable passion for advancing God’s Kingdom on earth. They are always looking for opportunities to reach where Christ is not named and ignite a disciple-making movement. For this, they are often persecuted, but they gladly accept it as the price to be paid. All growth is by conversion.
THERE IS ANOTHER CLASSIFICATION CALLED CHRIST-CENTERED COMMUNITIES.
C1. Totally a Western model with a foreign language and an outside leader. Non-reproducible.
C2. Same as above but using local language. Also non-reproducible. Growth by sheep stealing.
C3. Also, similar but use indigenous forms of worship and music. Biological growth and by transfer.
C4. An informal church that meets in homes and other places. It is culturally appropriate. Local leadership. Growth by conversion. Spreads rapidly.
C5. Insider church – Has secret believers, often non-baptized, who have not come out in the open because of fear of persecution from the family or community. No one knows much about their existence but is growing rapidly among Muslims and other restricted communities.
“By wisdom, a house is built, and by understanding it is established, by knowledge, the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24:3-4)
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being priest to Me. Since you have forgotten the Law of your God, I will also forget your sons, even I.” (Hosea 4:6)
Because of the neglect of sound biblical teaching in the family and the church, we can already see that the next generation is being destroyed.
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? “(1Corinthians 3:16)
BRINGING HEAVEN TO EARTH
Who can lead a House Church?
A house church does not require a qualified theologian to lead because “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” (1Corinthian 1:27)
There are different levels of Biblical Christians and each one functions within his/her calling with the potential for upward migration. (Romans 12:3)
- Those who are just ‘saved’. Like the Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, the tax collector and demonized man from Gadara, they do not just sit quietly in the church but immediately start witnessing. (Acts 2:47)
- Believers – They are empowered by the Holy Spirit who can cast out demons, heal the sick and even baptize, but like Philip the evangelist, do not make disciples. (Mark 16:17-18)
- Disciples – They glorify God by bringing abundant fruit. They obey Jesus. Making disciples is their top priority, even in the face of persecution by their families and the community. (John 15:8; 8:31; Matthew 10:38)
- Gifted Elders – Jesus gave fivefold ministry gifted elders like Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers to his church. Apostles make disciples and plant churches where none existed. Old-time prophets prophesied about the coming of Messiah but New Testament prophets prophesy edification of the church, exhort and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Evangelists preach the gospel to the unbelievers. Shepherds daily feed the sheep with manna. Teachers teach the Scriptures, which is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness so that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2Timothy 3:16,17). Together they equip the saints for the work of the ministry so the church is edified. (Ephesians 4:11,12)
- Spiritual Fathers and Mothers – Paul says that you may have thousands of instructors, but I am your spiritual father because as a father, I gave you birth and nurtured you. (1Corinthians 4:15)
Theologians can only teach theology, not discipling skills, which can be taught only by practitioners in the field. Humble and teachable, Godly men and women are perfectly capable of leading a house church. Each church is led not by a cell leader and a team of assistant leaders but by a spiritual father or mother who functions as the elder and a small eldership team for the little church. These don’t just lead meetings in a house but provide an atmosphere for individuals to grow spiritually in the framework of everyday life. Churches in homes, led by humble spiritual moms and dads, are not only a need of the hour but the need of the future!
HOW SHOULD A HOUSE CHURCH SERVICE BE CONDUCTED?
There is a difference between preaching and teaching. Preaching is not done from the pulpit. Preaching is sharing the good news of the death and resurrection of Jesus for the redemption of the sinners, while teaching is not just teaching theology but imparting skills to make them fishers of men. Preaching makes a convert but teaching turns a convert into a practitioner of his faith.
House churches are simple to start. They have a comfortable and natural setting for ministry. The house church creates a family-like atmosphere. Like the New Testament church, the house church is more focused on relationships, reaching the lost, and raising spiritual parents within the setting who serve and nurture their spiritual family. A home is where children are born, raised, educated and sent out to start their own families similarly, house church is a hub where disciples are made, equipped and sent out to do the same.
In the Discovery Bible study (DBS) you select a passage and discuss it together, then come out with three conclusions 1. What insights have you gained? 2. What are you going to implement 3. Whom all you are going to impart. (Three I’s – Insights, implement and Impart). (Acts 17:11)
Share the Gospel with any newcomer with the objective of eventually offering him as a living sacrifice.
Worship together by praising and glorifying God through His word and music.
Reach out to the lost and evangelize.
Fellowship by being with each other, enjoying one another, and encouraging one another. (Acts 2:44-46)
Communion by sharing meals together and participating in the Lord’s Supper. (Acts 2:46, 1 Corinthians 11:20-21).
Praying for each other’s needs and for the advancement of God’s kingdom. (1 Peter 1:22).
Generously providing for each other’s needs and for outreach.
HOW DO HOUSE CHURCHES UTILIZE TITHES AND OFFERINGS?
In the Old Testament, there were three ways of giving.
- Temple tax - of half a shekel was given for the temple’s upkeep (Exodus 30:13). Jesus asked Peter to go fishing to catch a fish with a shekel stuck in its throat, which was offered as Temple Tax.
- Tithe – which was food, “Bring your tithes so that there may be food in my house” (Malachi 3:10). Only the landowners gave the Tithe of their increase such as animals, grain, oil, wine, fruit and so on. They shared these with the Levites, widows, orphans and strangers (Gentiles who worked on their land) (Deuteronomy 14:22-29). People like Jesus, Peter and Paul did not give any Tithe as they had no land.
- Freewill offering – A widow gave her two mites in the boxes kept outside the Temple court, where people could give a freewill offering of gold, silver or money. (Mark 12:42)
What you pay the church as Tithe is Temple Tax as a service provider to baptize your baby, marry your daughter and bury you when you die.
After the Pentecost, the Tithe changed into food being shared (breaking bread) from house to house. (Acts 2:46)
The Freewill Offering is strictly for reaping the harvest, “He who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2Corinthians 9:6,7)
Currently, churches spend much of God’s money on building projects, staff salaries and maintenance. Instead of wasting both time and money, the early church followed in the footsteps of Abraham and other Old Testament saints who were “looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Are we waiting with expectant hearts for Jesus’ return? Tithes and offerings are purely for the extension and advancement of God’s kingdom throughout the earth.
Spending large sums of God’s money on perishable things like buildings, infrastructure, high-end equipment etc., is a regretful story. The house church model is far less expensive to establish and maintain as it doesn’t require buildings, programs, or big budgets. The overseers of the house church are mostly volunteers that do not require a large salary to be paid. This releases offerings for community service, supporting the thousands of persecuted Christians who are in dire need of help, caring for members’ needs, supporting church planters, evangelism, and various other acts that promote the spread of the gospel.
THE HOUSE CHURCH-LOOKING AHEAD!
The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former. (Haggai 2:9)
There will be no change in doctrine but a radical change in basic church life. Future leaders of the church are being given a vision of radical and dynamic New Testament Christianity being restored to the earth. Corporate worship, teaching and celebration are all beneficial when done in large gatherings in church buildings or traditional church settings, but God wants us to begin to see the church as a people and not as a place where people assemble. Hence, bringing the concept of the church into our homes in turn, also gives our spheres of influence a close and personal feel of Christianity as a lifestyle.
There will be freedom in the coming days in the hearts of God’s children to serve from within their homes and cause an overflow of God’s love into the communities where they are placed. The years ahead will see countless House Churches mushrooming across the length and breadth of India.
House churches have been and will continue to be a wise option for Christians for fellowship and for the gospel to spread. Be it culture, state, language or race etc. Through persecution, God is bringing Christians from various backgrounds, denominations, and affiliations together in unity. Now we can see God accomplishing His purposes for the future from within Christian homes. Every follower of Christ must apprehend his or her part in discipling the nations. Consequently, house church meetings in every community will cover our nation within the next few years.
THE HOUSE CHURCH:INDIA AND THE WORLD
For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)
Leaving behind China, India at 1.408 billion (2023), is now the most populated country in the world. A fifth of the world’s population lives in India. Only 2.3% of India’s population is Christian. Millions of people in India do not know who Jesus Christ really is. There are also thousands of people groups within our nation who have never heard the good news of God’s love.
So, how should the Church reach out to a vast and varied country like India? With great geographical diversity, such as mountains, deep valleys, extensive plains, plateaus, coastal ghats, the desert and several islands, one can find people living in the remotest parts of the country. Indian weather can also prove to be very challenging for Christians working in the mission field. However, God has always provided wisdom and guidance through Word. In God’s plan, India is also divided into myriads of castes and subcastes and so it can be reached in small bites. The house church model can be adapted to any geographical region or culture.
Christian persecution in India has also forced many believers to abandon Church buildings and meet in homes. The early church faced persecution as well and their fellowship, close-knit gatherings only caused them to grow stronger and closer to God. The House Church is our best hope for the Church of God in our times. House Churches are low profile and thus, better able to withstand persecution and oppression.
The good news is that most people estimate the Christian population to be at least 7.5 %. This means that there are at least 75 million Christians in India today. Even if you take away the 25 million non-performing traditional Christians, we still have at least 50 million new Christians added in the last 20 years. Almost all of them are first-generation Christians who are in the house churches. They are the ones who are advancing the Kingdom of God and paying the price for it.
Apart from India, the fastest-growing churches in the world are in Hindu Nepal, Muslim Iran, Communist China, Buddhist South Korea, Pagan Mongolia, Hoodoo practicing Africa, Catholic Cuba and among the Rohingyas and Buddhists of Myanmar. Almost all the growth is through the multiplication of house churches.
THE HOUSE-CHURCH- A SOLUTION FOR INDIA?
Bridging Gaps
If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. (Mark 3:24-25)
“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2Timothy 2:2)
Here Paul told young Timothy that whatever you have learnt from me share it with faithful men who can teach others. The Greek word for ‘men’ is ‘Anthropos’, from which the word anthropology comes, which means both men and women can teach others. There are four generations of disciple-makers in this passage - first Paul, then Timothy and then faithful men and women and finally ‘others’. This means that we are not to make pew-sitters but reproducers and multipliers.
God wants to connect generations. The house church is a wonderful alternative to reach and disciple today’s generation who are unfamiliar with or may be uncomfortable in a traditional church setting. These desire spiritual fathers and mothers who will come alongside them, encourage, and support their dreams and efforts. The young and the old must work together to advance His kingdom.
INDIGENOUS CHURCHES
Paul’s passion was to preach the gospel with mighty signs and wonders where Christ was not named (Romans 15:19,20). To accomplish this, he took three missionary journeys in a little over ten years despite the extreme challenges he faced. He established the church in four provinces: Galatia, Macedonia, Achaia, and Asia, all house churches.
Before AD 47, there were no Churches in these provinces but by AD 57, Paul-an Apostle of Christ, spoke about fully proclaiming the gospel in these provinces. (Romans 15:23,24)
Let’s meet Paul- A hard-core persecutor of the early Church, whom Jesus Christ took a firm hold of and turned into the most successful founder of churches that this world has ever known. He proved himself the most wonderful guide of all time. He has challenged us, “Imitate me, then, just as I imitate Christ. But I praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things, and you keep the doctrines as I delivered them to you.” (1Corinthians 11:1,2)
Paul did not just preach the gospel or conduct crusades and disappear but he discipled those who received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour until they were ready to establish churches in their own culture and context. He modelled a holistic church that was self-sustaining, self-propagating and self-governing and could stand on its own. Later he would visit them periodically or send one of his disciples, like Timothy or Titus for a follow-up to appoint elders and set things right in case they were going off course (Acts 15:36; Titus 1:5).
These churches had a great impact on the community and beyond. These churches rapidly multiplied, resulting in the word of God spread quickly. Bear in mind- they were all house churches! How did this happen?
Because Paul strongly opposed Gentiles becoming Jewish to enter the kingdom. We should learn from Paul that we should not try to change their culture, food habits, dress code or names but only a change of heart is needed (Galatians 2:11-14; Romans 10:9-10). Preaching the gospel of grace, Paul taught that it was only the grace of God and their faith in Jesus Christ which qualified one to enter the kingdom of God. (Ephesians 2:8)
Christian ministries and missions in India have not succeeded in planting truly indigenous churches. Why is Christianity still considered a foreign religion even after it was introduced to the nation centuries ago when it took only 20-30 years for Christianity to move from one continent to another?
Here is where the ‘House Church’ can play a huge role in dismissing all the mistaken and prevailing notions of Christianity. A home can remain within an existing culture and simultaneously pledge allegiance to Christ. Instead, once a family is sold out for Christ, the Holy Spirit will birth a deep and unstoppable passion within that home to embrace the lost.
Now imagine how many Christian homes exist, given the fact that 25 million traditional followers of Christ live in the country. Given an average of five members in a family, there are at least five million Christian families in India. If each family planted just one house church in their lifetime, there would be five million churches, enough to saturate this country with the gospel. Each of these homes, whether in cities or remote villages, could ideally be homes that change and influence their communities and eventually the world! A Church in every neighborhood will profoundly affect our society!
“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations but you have made it into a den of thieves.” (Mark 11:17)
IS THE HOUSE CHURCH LEGAL IN INDIA?
Yes. The Constitution of India gives Christians the right to freely practice, profess and promote their faith in an orderly and peaceful manner.
Persecution is often precipitated by loud music and noisy worship service. In the church they sang psalms and made music in their hearts but there is no mention of musical instruments in the New Testament. Jesus only sang once after the Last Supper when he went to the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion, and Paul and Silas sang when they were in jail. (1Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:5)
According to the Scriptures, Archangel Lucifer was the first musician and still controls music, often turning worship into entertainment. (Ezekiel 28:13)
THE HOUSE CHURCH-ALMOST PERSECUTION PROOF!
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. (Acts 8:4)
The Persecuted Church in India has continued to stay deeply rooted in God even during the violent storms. Over the past few months, attacks on Churches in India have been steadily increasing. Until the 31st of March 2020, Persecution Relief recorded 1,961 hate crimes against Christians since 2016. What is disturbing is that almost 70% of the cases are directly or indirectly related to Church attacks. Persecution Relief recorded at least 50 cases of Church Attacks in India in the first quarter of 2020 alone.
UTTAR PRADESH-THE EPICENTER OF CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION IN INDIA
For the past few years, Uttar Pradesh has been the epicentre of Christian Persecution in India, with ten years imprisonment for conversion. Over the past three months, 47 hate crimes against Christians were documented in Uttar Pradesh alone, causing the state to maintain its disturbing title of the ‘Most Hostile State’ towards Christians in India. Chhattisgarh, Odissa, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are not far behind.
The majority of the hate crimes against Christians are joint attacks by the Administration and Religious extremist groups. Storming into prayer meetings and Churches gatherings, raiding private residences, unreasonably seizing Christian materials, imposing IPC Section 144 which states that more than five people cannot gather together, threatening pastors to stop the service and forcefully taking them to the police station, filing false complaints of forced religious conversions, keeping Christians at the police station for days, misbehaving with Christians without sparing women and children etc. are just a few of the common ways in which the Christian minorities suffer at the hands of the religious extremists.
But Jesus says, “Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for your reward in Heaven is great. For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you”. (Matthew 5:11,12)
Jesus says further, “You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you, so that you may become sons of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:43-45)
CHURCH ATTACKS
There are at least four types of persecution.
- When it is government sponsored and carried out by its goons.
- When traditional churches persecute house churches as they see them as rivals. In Russia, the Orthodox church pressured the government to ban the house churches.
- Self-inflicted ones where loud music and building a church building where there were no Christians attract the attention of the hostile elements.
- Where no persecution exists because instead of going into the world, the world has entered the church and Satan does not think it worth his while to bother about it.
Across India, religious fanatics have a set pattern of attacks. They first trace and map local Christian gatherings. They then unexpectedly barge into the congregation and accuse the Christian Priest/Pastor or Leader of being involved in forced religious conversions. After abusing the Christians, they vandalize the place, beat the believers and threaten them not to gather as a church again. Very often, the fanatics are accompanied by the police and pro-religious media persons. These media persons record the raid and edit it to portray Christians in a bad light. They then post it on social media to increase their own popularity by defaming the persecuted Christians.
Many House Churches in rural areas have also come under attack recently. When the Shepherd is attacked, the sheep get scattered. The enemy then comes like a roaring lion, ready to devour them. Who can blame these poor and helpless people whose Pastor was beaten, or whose church gathering was forcibly stopped? Is it their fault? No! How do these poor churches survive? Such episodes often lead to fear and uncertainties amongst believers. Many Christians refuse to go to a worship service after they have experienced one attack. They are mostly beaten up and boycotted from society. Many are refused local jobs and struggle financially.
Unfortunately, many Pastors, Leaders and Churches have not prepared themselves for a time like this. We have remained complacent even after hearing these stories. Jesus laid great emphasis on not losing a single sheep. He left the 99 sheep to go and look for the lost one! It’s high time to remember our brothers and sisters during our regular prayers.
STRENGTHENING THE CHURCH FROM WITHIN
Christian Pastors, Leaders and missionaries across India must work hard at consolidating the Church of God from within. Paul wrote the epistles to reinforce and strengthen the Church so that in times of persecution, fear, false teaching etc., we would not turn away but finish the race that the Lord handed us. If we don’t consolidate these trees, they will be uprooted when the wind blows. We must take steps so that the church of God would no longer be like infants, tossed back and forth by the waves and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. (Ephesians 4:14)
In 2 Kings 5:26, we read how Elisha rebukes unfaithful servant Gehazi saying, “Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes--or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves?” Naaman had offered Elisha a reward for curing him, but Elisha refused. Likewise, Churches must resist the urge to build big structures, buy materials and equipment, acquire assets, increase their memberships etc. Are we responding to God’s wake-up call? If we don’t respond sooner, it might be too late. Let’s not be like Gehazi, whose greed and selfishness not only brought death and destruction to him but also to his descendants.
THE CHURCH IS THE SOLUTION
Is your church a solution or part of the problem?
No Prime Minister, Chief Minister, MLA, MP, or any other authority have the solutions to our country’s problems. It is we, the Church of God, who have all the answers. We are the light of the world! We are the game changers and the problem solvers. Our help does not come from the Government but from the Lord. The Bible speaks of many incidents, whether it was war, plague, famine, unrest, diseases etc., the Lord’s people took control and were able to achieve extraordinary results for God’s glory. In turn, they proved to be a blessing to the government and the country alike. The Church of God must rise up and take control of every impossible situation and surrender to God in the name of Jesus Christ. He has given us the authority to use His name and whatever we ask in His name, He will give it to us. Luke 10:19 says, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
The evil one is out to steal, kill and destroy. Given the current situation around the globe, the word of God delivers a clear indication of what lies ahead in the future. People are searching for God and looking to him for answers. Church structures and buildings stand empty. People have been confined to their homes. This cloud has a silver lining for the Persecuted Church; however, hate crimes against Christians are still being recorded. The Church of God cannot continue to be mere spectators of these happenings anymore. The time is precise for House Churches to be promoted. Traditional and bigger Churches which exist in states where Christian persecution is high must train, encourage and release their leaders and believers to conduct small house groups.
PERSECUTION- A CATALYST FOR CHURCH EXPANSION
The Bible clearly speaks about how the persecution of Christians served as a catalyst for church expansion. When the persecution against the Christians broke out in Jerusalem, the church fled to places like Judea and Samaria and so did the gospel. Then persecution came knocking again along with Stephen being martyred. The church then spread to Antioch and from there, Asia Minor, the Aegean shores and eventually Rome and the rest of the world as Jesus had prophesied.
Today, if there is one major challenge for Christians in India, it is the country’s growing hostility and intolerance towards Christianity. Even though house churches blend into the community, making them less visible to persecutors, cases of hate crimes against Christians are steadily on the rise. India is going through circumstances similar to that of the early church. These statistics are sad; but one thing is for sure, that persecution will escalate further, which will cause the gospel to spread even more rapidly.
ONE BODY, MANY PARTS
“Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses while this house remains a ruin?” (Haggai 1:4)
If a finger hurts, the whole body suffers. Are we suffering, like the persecuted church in India? Do we consider them as part of the same Body? Are we busy in the affairs of our own household and forgetting about the House of God? Let’s step out of our comfort zones and treat every persecuted Christian as a part of the Body of Christ. Whether rich or poor, different cultures, languages, colours, from villages or cities etc., we must especially love and care for the persecuted as our own.
Let us stay near the stream as Jeremiah says, “They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8)
HOUSE CHURCHES BETTER PREPARED FOR END TIMES
Jesus prophesied many things about the end times which are being rapidly fulfilled – like wars and rumors of wars, nations against nations, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, you shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake, many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many; because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:6:14). Because of the intimate, relational and supportive environment of a house-church, the chances of not only surviving but thriving during the ravages of the soon coming severe persecution, is much greater than the traditional church.
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